James Tarkowski: Troy Deeney explains why Chelsea ‘would love’ to have Everton stalwart
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Credit: Imago Mon 23 March 2026 11:45, UK James Tarkowski has been named in Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week after his fine performance as Everton beat Chelsea on Saturday.The Toffees won 3-0 at Hill Dickinson Stadium courtesy of goals from Beto and Iliman Ndiaye, marking the third win from the last four games.The victory has propelled David Moyes’ side to within three points of the top five, with an unlikely push towards European football now on the cards.Chelsea, on the other hand, have now lost four consecutive matches under the management of Liam Rosenior, who finds himself under immense pressure.Everton’s form may well carry them above Chelsea after the international break, with the gap between the teams now just two points. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Troy Deeney hails James TarkowskiTarkowski signed a new contract at Everton in October, with the defender set to stay put at Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2028.
The 33-year-old’s availability this season has defied logic, given his age, yet his performance against Chelsea on Saturday again reiterated his quality.James Tarkowskivs ChelseaMinutes played 90Accurate passes34/40Blocks 2Clearances4Recoveries4Duels won3/6The Englishman was dominant over his box, clearing and blocking everything that came his way.Faced up against the hugely dangerous Joao Pedro, Tarkowski kept his nerve and limited the 24-year-old to just one shot on goal.At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea’s inexperienced pairing of Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato was exposed against the relentless running of Beto.The 28-year-old ran off the back of Fofana for the first goal, with the Frenchman bizarrely deciding to slow down in the hope that Robert Sanchez would get there.And while the second goal would not have happened without Sanchez’s glaring error, Beto was again allowed to run off his man far too easily to find space in the Chelsea box.After naming Tarkowski in his team of the week for BBC Sport, Deeney wrote: “He made those tackles when needed and more importantly was a calming presence in their backline. “How Chelsea would love a centre-back with that kind of gumption, especially given the shaky defending they have shown at times.”The same can be said of Michael KeaneDeeney passed up Tarkowski’s defensive partner, Michael Keane, for his team of the week, but he was arguably even more impressive against Chelsea.The 33-year-old made three tackles, nine clearances, and three recoveries, winning six of his eight duels contested.It was a dominant performance and a clean sheet well earned for both players, who are showing that, in the Premier League, age is just a number.And for Chelsea, yet another reminder that while talent is necessary, it must be accompanied by experience. 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees.
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